CNS Inflammatory Research Group

Innovative Imaging & Translational Research in Multiple Sclerosis and CNS Inflammation

The CNS Inflammatory Research Group at the University of Liège (ULiège) focuses on understanding the complex mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis (MS) and other inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Our work combines clinical insight with cutting-edge imaging technology to develop new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for neuroinflammation.

Initially viewed as a multifocal white matter (WM) disease, multiple sclerosis is now recognized as a multifaceted CNS disorder, involving:

- Focal and diffuse inflammation

- Demyelination and remyelination

- Axonal damage and neurodegeneration

These processes affect both white and gray matter (cortical involvement) and vary widely between patients, contributing to the heterogeneity in clinical symptoms, progression, and treatment response.

We aim to:

- Characterize these mechanisms in vivo

- Understand how they drive disability progression

- Develop imaging-based tools for early diagnosis and personalized treatment

Our team utilizes beyond state-of-the-art imaging modalities, including quantitative multi-contrast MRI at 3T and 7T

and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). These techniques enable more accurate detection and tracking of cortical pathology, chronic inflammation, and early neurodegeneration. Our ultimate goal is to create validated imaging biomarkers that reflect the real-time pathological landscape of MS and other CNS inflammatory diseases.

We thank our sponsors

© ULiège	© FNRS	© Uliège
© Fondation Roi BAUDOUIN	© Fondation CHARCOT	© Ligue belge contre la sclérose en plaques